But at the moment you could be forgiven for driving or walking past the impressive structure to the iconic ship The Mayflower and miss it altogether.

Heritage enthusiasts say the structure is being “neglected” and have called on the council to cut back the trees that are obscuring it and make more of the monument.

The grade II-listed limestone and copper column was built in 1913 to commemorate the voyage of The Mayflower when it carried the Pilgrim Fath-ers to America in 1620.

But Ronald Fitzger-ald, a photographer from the city, who is capturing all South-ampton’s major memorials on camera, said he was unable to photograph it as it was hidden behind trees.

He said: “For a city that prides itself on its heritage and deeply associates itself with one of the most historic moments in history it neglects the memorial raised to commemorate its role in the founding fathers of America.

“I was surprised by the condition and obscurity of such an important memorial that seems to have been forgotten.”

Local maritime historian Captain Stephen New said: “It is important and I think it should be cleaned up.

“There isn’t enough emphasis made of the relationship between Southampton and The Mayflower and we should do because there would be a lot of interest in America and from the many Americans who come into Southampton on cruise ships.”

Local historian John Avery said: “It’s a very important monument, particularly with it being the 400th anniversary of it setting sail in 2020.”

A city council spokesman said discussions are already underway about the anniversary, adding: “We inspect the condition of our monuments and memorials on a regular basis and are pleased to say that The Mayflower memorial is in a good condition considering it is over 100 years old, although there has been some loss of lettering on one of the inscriptions, which we will look at in due course.

“We have scheduled works to the trees next to the Mayflower memorial for autumn.”

2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.

Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland & Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.

How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?

I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.

Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.

2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.
Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland & Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.
How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?
I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.
Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.FoysCornerBoy

focus19 wrote:
The next bout of Lottery funding could be used for a full scale replica of the Mayflower and it could be a great great tourist attraction and'' WOW '' factor maybe ?

Now this is a brilliant Idea. Have it floating at Mayflower park. It would attract thousands and those YANKS.

Make a new pier area to moor her against.

Plus will create employment. Have a decent new cafe built. Present one is too 1960s. Nice cup of tea though!!!

[quote][p][bold]focus19[/bold] wrote:
The next bout of Lottery funding could be used for a full scale replica of the Mayflower and it could be a great great tourist attraction and'' WOW '' factor maybe ?[/p][/quote]Now this is a brilliant Idea. Have it floating at Mayflower park. It would attract thousands and those YANKS.
Make a new pier area to moor her against.
Plus will create employment. Have a decent new cafe built. Present one is too 1960s. Nice cup of tea though!!!Pikey Pete

I went to Taunton's School in the 1960's and I cannot recall 1 single mention in any lesson on the importance of the Mayflower, the birth of the Spitfire or the 600+ Southampton deaths linked to the Titanic.

Quite extraordinary

Graham Hunt Taunton's 1960 - 67

Just as a by the way.
I went to Taunton's School in the 1960's and I cannot recall 1 single mention in any lesson on the importance of the Mayflower, the birth of the Spitfire or the 600+ Southampton deaths linked to the Titanic.
Quite extraordinary
Graham Hunt Taunton's 1960 - 67Graham, North of Watford

FoysCornerBoy wrote:
2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.

Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland &amp; Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.

How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?

I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.

Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.

By all means celebrate the Mayflower anniversary but let's be careful about what we do. After all the Sea City museum was built on the strength of the Titanic 100 year anniversary and cost £5m plus. It turned out to be a 5 minute wonder, struggles to attract visitors and has been a financial disaster. Celebrate the Mayflower with events that will not end up being a long term millstone for the city to finance when essential services are suffering elsewhere.

[quote][p][bold]FoysCornerBoy[/bold] wrote:
2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.
Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland & Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.
How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?
I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.
Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.[/p][/quote]By all means celebrate the Mayflower anniversary but let's be careful about what we do. After all the Sea City museum was built on the strength of the Titanic 100 year anniversary and cost £5m plus. It turned out to be a 5 minute wonder, struggles to attract visitors and has been a financial disaster. Celebrate the Mayflower with events that will not end up being a long term millstone for the city to finance when essential services are suffering elsewhere.Maine Lobster

focus19 wrote:
The next bout of Lottery funding could be used for a full scale replica of the Mayflower and it could be a great great tourist attraction and'' WOW '' factor maybe ?

Now this is a brilliant Idea. Have it floating at Mayflower park. It would attract thousands and those YANKS.

Make a new pier area to moor her against.

Plus will create employment. Have a decent new cafe built. Present one is too 1960s. Nice cup of tea though!!!

Rebuilding the Royal pier is a safe bet, Its some thing that most people I talk to want, I said let Jubilee Trust moor there tall ships on the end of the pier, but a replica of Mayflower would work just as well ( but I think you might find that there is a full scale relica of the Mayflower in the States)

[quote][p][bold]**** Pete[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]focus19[/bold] wrote:
The next bout of Lottery funding could be used for a full scale replica of the Mayflower and it could be a great great tourist attraction and'' WOW '' factor maybe ?[/p][/quote]Now this is a brilliant Idea. Have it floating at Mayflower park. It would attract thousands and those YANKS.
Make a new pier area to moor her against.
Plus will create employment. Have a decent new cafe built. Present one is too 1960s. Nice cup of tea though!!![/p][/quote]Rebuilding the Royal pier is a safe bet, Its some thing that most people I talk to want, I said let Jubilee Trust moor there tall ships on the end of the pier, but a replica of Mayflower would work just as well ( but I think you might find that there is a full scale relica of the Mayflower in the States)southy

FoysCornerBoy wrote:
2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.

Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland &amp; Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.

How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?

I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.

Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.

By all means celebrate the Mayflower anniversary but let's be careful about what we do. After all the Sea City museum was built on the strength of the Titanic 100 year anniversary and cost £5m plus. It turned out to be a 5 minute wonder, struggles to attract visitors and has been a financial disaster. Celebrate the Mayflower with events that will not end up being a long term millstone for the city to finance when essential services are suffering elsewhere.

[quote][p][bold]FoysCornerBoy[/bold] wrote:
2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.
Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland & Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.
How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?
I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.
Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.[/p][/quote]By all means celebrate the Mayflower anniversary but let's be careful about what we do. After all the Sea City museum was built on the strength of the Titanic 100 year anniversary and cost £5m plus. It turned out to be a 5 minute wonder, struggles to attract visitors and has been a financial disaster. Celebrate the Mayflower with events that will not end up being a long term millstone for the city to finance when essential services are suffering elsewhere.Maine Lobster

The way the council treats the Bargate says it all, they block the view of it at every opportunity with the tacky market.

Heritage and history is seen as a hindrance rather than something to cherish and be proud of.

The way the council treats the Bargate says it all, they block the view of it at every opportunity with the tacky market.
Heritage and history is seen as a hindrance rather than something to cherish and be proud of.*ay*carumba*

There's hardly a stone around the Town Quay that hasn't been ruined (made worse) by high pressure water jets.

Take the small covered fountain dedicated to Mary Anne Rogers opposite Mayflower monument..

http://tinyurl.com/q
buhd27

Those large pockmarks weren't caused by weathering or rock-eating microorganisms...

,,,

If Southampton council is interested in the cities heritage why are they employing people to blast it with high pressure water jets?

,,

,,
Southampton's Mayflower Monument being neglected, claim heritage lovers
Probably a good thing..
There's hardly a stone around the Town Quay that hasn't been ruined (made worse) by high pressure water jets.
Take the small covered fountain dedicated to Mary Anne Rogers opposite Mayflower monument..
http://tinyurl.com/q
buhd27
Those large pockmarks weren't caused by weathering or rock-eating microorganisms...
,,,
If Southampton council is interested in the cities heritage why are they employing people to blast it with high pressure water jets?
,,Dan Soton

FoysCornerBoy wrote:
2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.

Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland &amp; Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.

How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?

I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.

Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.

By all means celebrate the Mayflower anniversary but let's be careful about what we do. After all the Sea City museum was built on the strength of the Titanic 100 year anniversary and cost £5m plus. It turned out to be a 5 minute wonder, struggles to attract visitors and has been a financial disaster. Celebrate the Mayflower with events that will not end up being a long term millstone for the city to finance when essential services are suffering elsewhere.

Nobody will travel to Southampton just to visit The Sea City museum,but if we had other nautical attractions such as a replica of The Mayflower,as previously suggested,then visitors could make a day of it,as is possible in Portsmouth.
My Mum and I went on a guided walk of the Walls a couple of years ago,a very interesting tour shared with a Canadian family,a couple of Germans and a few locals...but unfortunately,our lasting memory (and much to our embarrassment) was all the rubbish,and the very strong smell of urine left by the previous nights' revellers. It showed me then,that Southampton Council treat their heritage and Tourism as a low priority.

We have the great history,let's preserve,protect and cherish what we have.

[quote][p][bold]Maine Lobster[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FoysCornerBoy[/bold] wrote:
2020 - the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers from Southampton - is not that far away. Our Plymouth 'brethren' are already well advanced in their plans to commemorate this (and maximise the considerable revenue benefits from US-based tourism). So too, I imagine, are the civic leaders of Rotterdam/ Delfthaven which is where the first attempt to sail to the US was made by a band of protestants fleeing persecution in Europe. Indeed the religious community originated in Boston (Lincolnshire) so we can expect them to get in on the act, too.
Perhaps we should reflect on how ill-prepared we as a city were for the centenary of the Titanic tragedy in 2012. Our best offer - the Sea City museum - was eclipsed by Belfast which used the opportunity to regenerate the former Harland & Wolff shipyard by using the Titanic brand to such good effect.
How can we avoid repeating this mistake with the Pilgrim Fathers in 2020?
I think a first step would be for the civic, business, media, academic, arts and heritage community leaders to start to talk to one another and not descend to the bickering that is so commonplace.
Another wise move would be for the leader of the Council and the mayor to contact their opposite numbers in Plymouth and Rotterdam to develop a joint programme and put maximum pressure on our respective national governments and the European Commission to invest in this.[/p][/quote]By all means celebrate the Mayflower anniversary but let's be careful about what we do. After all the Sea City museum was built on the strength of the Titanic 100 year anniversary and cost £5m plus. It turned out to be a 5 minute wonder, struggles to attract visitors and has been a financial disaster. Celebrate the Mayflower with events that will not end up being a long term millstone for the city to finance when essential services are suffering elsewhere.[/p][/quote]Nobody will travel to Southampton just to visit The Sea City museum,but if we had other nautical attractions such as a replica of The Mayflower,as previously suggested,then visitors could make a day of it,as is possible in Portsmouth.
My Mum and I went on a guided walk of the Walls a couple of years ago,a very interesting tour shared with a Canadian family,a couple of Germans and a few locals...but unfortunately,our lasting memory (and much to our embarrassment) was all the rubbish,and the very strong smell of urine left by the previous nights' revellers. It showed me then,that Southampton Council treat their heritage and Tourism as a low priority.
We have the great history,let's preserve,protect and cherish what we have.100%HANTSBOY

There's hardly a stone around the Town Quay that hasn't been ruined (made worse) by high pressure water jets.

Take the small covered fountain dedicated to Mary Anne Rogers opposite Mayflower monument..

http://tinyurl.com/q

buhd27

Those large pockmarks weren't caused by weathering or rock-eating microorganisms...

,,,

If Southampton council is interested in the cities heritage why are they employing people to blast it with high pressure water jets?

,,

,,

A marvellous/idyllic (Facebook.com/Southa
mpton Memories) photo of the Town Quay

http://tinyurl.com/k
o5ygjl

,,

Quote Eric Payne... I wonder if the people at the time were able to appreciate what they had - if they had known how it would look years later I'm sure they certainly would have done. But to be fair, as Cath commented, without the reclamation...no Mayflower Park. But I think, on the whole, I'd prefer it as shown here, especially with that lovely bay with views across to Millbrook and beyond...

,,,

[quote][p][bold]Dan Soton[/bold] wrote:
,,
Southampton's Mayflower Monument being neglected, claim heritage lovers
Probably a good thing..
There's hardly a stone around the Town Quay that hasn't been ruined (made worse) by high pressure water jets.
Take the small covered fountain dedicated to Mary Anne Rogers opposite Mayflower monument..
http://tinyurl.com/q
buhd27
Those large pockmarks weren't caused by weathering or rock-eating microorganisms...
,,,
If Southampton council is interested in the cities heritage why are they employing people to blast it with high pressure water jets?
,,[/p][/quote],,
A marvellous/idyllic (Facebook.com/Southa
mpton Memories) photo of the Town Quay
http://tinyurl.com/k
o5ygjl
,,
Quote Eric Payne... I wonder if the people at the time were able to appreciate what they had - if they had known how it would look years later I'm sure they certainly would have done. But to be fair, as Cath commented, without the reclamation...no Mayflower Park. But I think, on the whole, I'd prefer it as shown here, especially with that lovely bay with views across to Millbrook and beyond...
,,,Dan Soton